He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt Luke 18:9
Merciful God,
Open our hearts and show us any ways
we “trust in ourselves,”
any ways we think we are “righteous”—
thoughts like, “I’m a pretty good person,”
or “I went to church five times this month,”
or “I gave a lot of money to that homeless ministry.”
Open our hearts to show us
any ways we “treat others with contempt” —
things like, “I can’t believe she wore that to church,”
or “What a criminal to cheat on his taxes!”
or “I’m glad I never have committed any of the big sins like so-and-so.”
Lord, you have made it clear—
We must come to you with bottomless humility,
a deep awareness that we can do nothing “good” without you.
Show us our sin, large and small,
and send us to our knees,
begging your forgiveness,
grateful for your mercy.
In your humble and exalted name. Amen.
Read Luke 18:9-14.
Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage is the author of Preparing for Glory: Biblical Answers to 40 Questions on Living and Dying in Hope of Heaven.
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